Jay Gruden and the Redskins missed having a WR in the lineup with the speed to scare defenses last season, a need they addressed early in free agency.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

If the Redskins signed Pernell McPhee, they'd be getting some of what they lost with Trent Murphy's departure. McPhee, visiting Monday, has good size at around 275 pounds. He also has experience rushing from multiple spots -- as a stand-up linebacker in a 3-4 as well as from a three-point stance from a variety of spots along the line. The Redskins used Murphy on occasion as a nose tackle in sub-packages; they could do that with McPhee. He also could provide a speed rush from a tackle position in nickel. That variety in Baltimore helped him get paid by Chicago. The question for him is health: He missed 12 games combined the last three seasons for various issues.

share

0:40

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he likes having Paul Richardson -- not just because he's fast. But that is the best place to start when it comes to discussing Richardson.

share

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Monday will be a big day for the Redskins, with defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins, corner Orlando Scandrick and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee visiting. The latter was first reported by the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport Sunday night and then confirmed. McPhee was cut by Chicago in February; health has been his biggest issue but he does offer versatility as a pass rusher -- playing outside linebacker, but with the size to move inside on some packages. The Redskins have made an offer to outside linebacker Junior Galette, but in a tweet Sunday he said though the Redskins make the most sense for him, "it's Gotta Be Fair." The Redskins also have hosted linebacker/defensive end Benson Mayowa.

The Redskins want to upgrade their defense, which is why they're reportedly having two former NFC East rivals in next week to meet with the staff.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins will visit the Redskins, per multiple sources. Hankins was released by Indianapolis earlier Saturday afternoon. The Redskins have been reluctant to spend big on the defensive line, but if they did it would be for a younger lineman. Hankins is 25. He signed a three-year deal with the Colts last offseason.

share

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Free agent corner Orlando Scandrick, who will visit the Redskins Monday, offers another alternative at corner because of his versatility. He can play the slot, too. The Redskins have been talking to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie about playing in Washington, but he recently told ESPN's Josina Anderson that he would wait until April to make a decision. Scandrick asked for his release from Dallas last week.

The Redskins have been blamed for Kirk Cousins' departure, but his agent explains why it might have always been tough for Washington to re-sign the QB.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Nothing has changed since Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie visited Tuesday: The Redskins still want to sign him. They also have been clear on not paying big money for older players and Rodgers-Cromartie is 31. But the interest remains. With LB Junior Galette, there are other teams interested besides the Redskins. Galette and the Redskins are still apart in the money as of now. There is still interest from both sides in a reunion.

Unlike Thursday's event, Alex Smith arrives in Washington not as a slick production but a steady veteran. Yet he still provides needed excitement.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

The Redskins re-signed Zach Brown Thursday and remain interested in some of their other free agents, notably linebacker Junior Galette. They want to maintain their pass rush success and Galette showed he could still pressure quarterbacks. They wanted him to gauge his market first. He's let it be known that this is where he wants to play. There's still a chance they'll retain left guard Shawn Lauvao as well. If he returns --
and as of now it's just one option -- Lauvao's injury history, though, means they need to have a strong backup plan.

share

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Redskins senior VP of player personnel Doug Williams made it real clear again yesterday that he wants more help at running back. He made the point at the scouting combine and again Thursday. While introducing quarterback Alex Smith, Williams said, "And, promise you, we'll get the running back situation straight."

The Redskins introduced new quarterback Alex Smith, whom the team hopes will bring stability to the position after Kirk Cousins' departure. "Everything we do today is going forward, nothing behind us," senior VP of player personnel Doug Williams said.

Ryan Grant fails physical for Ravens (0:44)

0:17

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said it's nice to know who his quarterback will be now and for the future with the arrival of Alex Smith.

share

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Alex Smith said Washington is where he wanted to be. He said he enjoyed watching the Redskins' offense over the years when studying teams. He likes the scheme and how multi-dimensional it is. "I can do a lot. I like that," Smith said. "I like to be Swiss army knife and take advantage of a lot of different things."

share

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Redskins senior vice president of player personnel Doug Williams said at Alex Smith's press conference: "We're not looking in the rear view mirror. We're going forward and that's where we are today. Everything we do today is going forward, nothing behind us."

share

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Paul Richardson said of playing with quarterback Alex Smith, I'm going to run past people, whether it's across the field or down the field. He'll find me." And as for being a lean guy going across the middle, "They gotta catch me. I'm not big on trash-talking, but you gotta catch me."

share

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Paul Richardson said he learned from watching DeSean Jackson over the years. Both are speed guys. But Richardson said he was most impressed with how Jackson sets up defenders with double moves and how well he attacks the ball down the field.

share

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

New Redskins receiver Paul Richardson said he feels he can "take the top off defenses" to help Washington. He said of his potential, "I don't think I've scratched that yet."

Linebacker Zach Brown will stay with the Redskins after reaching a new deal, the team announced Thursday.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer

Redskins punter Tress Way said via text that he wasn't surprised Washington signed a punter. Way signed a five-year extension in the spring of 2016. The Redskins have not had any competition for Way in camp since his rookie season of 2014 when he won the job. But Way said special teams coach Ben Kotwica "loves competition and it's the best way to find the best guy!" Way also said even if there's not another punter in camp, the competition still exists, especially if he starts to struggle.